As a digital marketer, I work in a highly creative environment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! If you happen to have a career that allows you to create, you should count your lucky stars! Artists, writers, designers, dreamers and innovators make the world go ’round. But I’d be lying if I told you each day was a walk in the park. The truth is, some days my creative juices just aren’t flowing.

You know those days. You feel totally uninspired, and you can’t even form a single creative thought. Dark times, but we all experience them once in a while.

I’m here to reassure you – you are not alone. And the days you’re not feeling super creative aren’t from a lack of trying. Obviously, if you could produce something creative, you would. Sometimes you just need a muse…

“Creative Block” is a real thing, y’all.

A large portion of my job is content creation. From blogging, to website copy writing, to social media campaigns, I am producing content all day long.

On my best creative days, everything seems to flow, and I create content for hours on end. On my off days, I stare at a blank word document for entirely too long and contemplate my existence.

Talk about unproductive!

Days like that will drive a person crazy, so I’ve made a conscious effort to collect some tips and tricks to get inspired and reach my full creative potential.

1. Keep notes

Creative thoughts can pop up at any time. I use the iPhone notes app to jot down anything that I may be able to use while I’m creating content, because let’s be real, if you don’t write it down, you’re probably going to forget.

2. Write for pleasure

I love that my job involves so much writing, but if I didn’t write outside of work, it would be easy to burn out. Keeping a journal or a personal blog allows you to experiment with different writing styles and push your creative limits.

3. Take a break

Step outside, grab a coffee, give yourself a few minutes to focus on something else. Whatever “taking a break” means for you, do that. After your break, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to create.

4. Rock out

Music is an outlet for anyone and everyone. It motivates and inspires us while we’re driving, cooking, or exercising, so naturally it can inspire us while we’re creating as well.

5. Ask for feedback

Everyone sees things in their own unique way. Seeking out honest opinions and constructive criticism is key. A fresh pair of eyes can be more beneficial for your work than you realize.

6. Do not fear mistakes

There’s a lot to learn from making mistakes. Some of the biggest mistakes lead to the freshest ideas!

Mistakes are the portals of discovery. -James Joyce

7. Clean your workplace

I know what you’re thinking. “My desk is so cluttered because I’m working so hard!” While I’m sure this is true, an organized workplace decreases stress and increases productivity.

8. Be a risk-taker

Think about how invincible you felt when you were a kid. Remember coloring outside the lines (or even on the bathroom walls? Sorry, Mom)? Creativity had no limits, and fear did not exist. Try to get back into that mindset. I can promise you that your best ideas are not going to be born while you’re confining yourself to the prison that is your comfort zone.

9. Surround yourself with bold, interesting individuals

Interesting people typically have no problem sharing their ideas and perspective with others. Absorb their unique energy, and allow yourself to be inspired by their company.

10. Don’t give up

Look, maybe today just isn’t your day – and that’s okay! Sometimes you’ve just gotta accept it and try again tomorrow. You got this!

 

So, now that you have all this new-found creativity, it’s time to implement it into your marketing strategy! Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help! :)